Self-Assembly and Ionic-Lattice-like Secondary Structure of a Flexible Linear Polymer of Highly Charged Inorganic Building Blocks

Among molecular building blocks, metal oxide cluster anions and their countercations provide multiple options for the self-assembly of functional materials. Currently, however, rational design concepts are limited to electrostatic interactions with metal or organic countercations or to the attachment and subsequent reactions of functionalized organic ligands. We now demonstrate that bridging μ-oxo linkages can be used to string together a bifunctional Keggin anion building block, [PNb₂Mo₁₀O₄₀]^5- (1), the diniobium(V) analogue of [PV₂Mo₁₀O₄₀]^5- (2). Induction of μ-oxo ligation between the Nb^V═O moieties of 1 in acetonitrile via step-growth polymerization gives linear polymers with entirely inorganic backbones, some comprising over 140 000 repeating units, each with a 3- charge, exceeding that of previously reported organic or inorganic polyelectrolytes. As the chain grows, its flexible μ-oxo-linked backbone, with associated countercations, coils into a compact 270 nm diameter spherical secondary structure as a result of electrostatic interactions not unlike those within ionic lattices. More generally, the findings point to new options for the rational design of multidimensional structures based on μ-oxo linkages between Nb^V═O-functionalized building blocks.

Water–gas shift reaction co-catalyzed by polyoxometalate (POM)–gold composites: the “magic” role of POMs

We computationally investigated the WGSR mechanism on POM supported gold and revealed the role of POMs. A direct pathway by formation of COOH_ads from the co-adsorbed H₂O and CO is proposed.

Controlling the Activity and Stability of Electrochemical Interfaces Using Atom-by-Atom Metal Substitution of Redox Species

Understanding the molecular-level properties of electrochemically active ions at operating electrode-electrolyte interfaces (EEI) is key to the rational development of high-performance nanostructured surfaces for applications in energy technology. Herein, an electrochemical cell coupled with ion soft landing is employed to examine the effect of "atom-by-atom" metal substitution on the activity and stability of well-defined redox-active anions, PMo _xW_{12- x}O₄₀^3- ( x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, or 12) at nanostructured ionic liquid EEI. A striking observation made by in situ electrochemical measurements and further supported by theoretical calculations is that the substitution of only one to three tungsten atoms by molybdenum atoms in the PW₁₂O₄₀^3- anions results in a substantial spike in their first reduction potential. Specifically, PMo₃W₉O₄₀^3- showed the highest redox activity in both in situ electrochemical measurements and as part of a functional redox supercapacitor device, making it a "super-active redox anion" compared with all other PMo _xW_{12- x}O₄₀^3- species. Electronic structure calculations showed that metal substitution in PMo _xW_{12- x}O₄₀^3- causes the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) to protrude locally, making it the "active site" for reduction of the anion. Several critical factors contribute to the observed trend in redox activity including (i) multiple isomeric structures populated at room temperature, which affect the experimentally determined reduction potential; (ii) substantial decrease of the LUMO energy upon replacement of W atoms with more-electronegative Mo atoms; and (iii) structural relaxation of the reduced species produced after the first reduction step. Our results illustrate a path to achieving superior performance of technologically relevant EEIs in functional nanoscale devices through understanding of the molecular-level electronic properties of specific electroactive species with "atom-by-atom" precision.

On the formation of gold nanoparticles from [AuIIICl4]− and a non-classical reduced polyoxomolybdate as an electron source: a quantum mechanical modelling and experimental study

DFT calculations and experimental data prove that the [Na{(MoV2O₄)₃(μ₂-O)₃(μ₂-SO₃)₃(μ₆-SO₃)}₂]¹⁵⁻ POM is capable of completely reducing Au(iii) to Au(0).

A first principle study of the structural, vibrational and electronic properties of tetrathiafulvalene adsorbed on Ag(110) and Au(110) surfaces

We have studied the adsorption properties of a charge donor organic molecule, tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), on the (110) surfaces of silver and gold by means of the generalized gradient approach of the density functional theory using periodic slab models. This molecule is the core building block of a host of molecular materials exhibiting extremely reach phase diagrams with a variety of ground states. The interfaces formed with metallic surfaces have received only limited attention, despite of their relevance. We have determined the stable adsorption sites for two unit cells representing high and low coverage, which are determinant for the adsorption properties of TTF on the surface. The preferential chemisorption is via the direct interaction of sulfur atoms with the Ag or Au atoms on top sites. All adsorbed TTF are more stable than gas phase TTF. The simulation of the vibrational spectra has permitted us to find the fingerprints of these structures to characterize them on this surface. The donor nature of TTF induces charge transfer to the metallic surfaces.

Electronic structure and redox properties of metal nitride endohedral fullerenes M(3)N@C(2n) (M=Sc, Y, La, and Gd; 2n=80, 84, 88, 92, 96)

An extensive study of the redox properties of metal nitride endohedral fullerenes (MNEFs) based on DFT computational calculations has been performed. The electronic structure of the singly oxidized and reduced MNEFs has been thoroughly analyzed and the first anodic and cathodic potentials, as well as the electrochemical gaps, have been predicted for a large number of M(3)N@C(2n) systems (M=Sc, Y, La, and Gd; 2n=80, 84, 88, 92, and 96). In particular, calculations that include thermal and entropic effects correctly predict the different anodic behavior of the two isomers (I(h) and D(5h)) of Sc(3)N@C(80), which is the basis for their electrochemical separation. Important differences were found in the electronic structure of reduced M(3)N@C(80) when M=Sc or when M is a more electropositive metal, such as Y or Gd. Moreover, the changes in the electrochemical gaps within the Gd(3)N@C(2n) series (2n=80, 84, and 88) have been rationalized and the use of Y-based computational models to study the Gd-based systems has been justified. The redox properties of the largest MNEFs characterized so far, La(3)N@C(2n) (2n=92 and 96), were also correctly predicted. Finally, the quality of these predictions and their usefulness in distinguishing the carbon cages for MNEFs with unknown structures is discussed.

Adsorption properties and vibrational spectra of propyne adsorbed on Rh(111). Comparison with other (111) metal surfaces

We have studied the adsorption properties of propyne on the Rh(111) surface by means of the generalized gradient approach of density functional theory using periodic slab models. The simulation of the vibrational spectra has permitted us to corroborate and complete the experimental band assignment and to confirm the adsorption site preference. Propyne prefers to sit on a 3-fold hollow site, with the C[triple bond]C axis parallel to a Rh-Rh bond and the molecular plane tilted away from the surface normal. The comparison between the adsorption behaviour of propyne on Rh(111) and on other (111) metal surfaces allows one to provide an explanation for the different reactivity observed experimentally.

DFT Characterization of Adsorbed NHx Species on Pt(100) and Pt(111) Surfaces

Periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations using plane waves have been performed to systematically investigate the adsorption and relative stability of ammonia and its dehydrogenated species on Pt(111) and Pt(100) surfaces. Different adsorption geometries and positions have been studied, and in each case, the equilibrium configuration has been determined by relaxation of the system. The vibrational spectra of the various ammonia fragments have been computed, and band assignments have been compared in detail with available experimental data. The adsorption of NH3 (on top) and NH2 (bridge) is more favorable on Pt(100) than on Pt(111), while similar adsorption energies were computed for NH (hollow) and N (hollow) on both surfaces. The remarkably lower adsorption energy of NH2 over Pt(111) as compared with Pt(100) (the difference being approximately 0.7 eV) can be related to different geometric and electronic factors associated with this particular intermediate. Accordingly, the type of platinum surface determines the most stable NH(x) fragment: Pt(100) has more affinity for NH2 species, whereas NH species are preferred over Pt(111).

Selectivity Control for the Catalytic 1,3-Butadiene Hydrogenation on Pt(111) and Pd(111) Surfaces: Radical versus Closed-Shell Intermediates

The hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene to different C4H8 species on both Pd(111) and Pt(111) surfaces has been studied by means of periodic slabs and DFT. We report the adsorption structures for the various mono- and dihydrogenated butadiene intermediates adsorbed on both metal surfaces. Radical species are more clearly stabilized on Pt than on Pd. The different pathways leading to these radicals have been investigated and compared to those producing 1-butene and 2-butene species. On palladium, the formation of butenes seems to be clearly favored, in agreement with the high selectivity to butenes observed experimentally. In contrast, the formation of dihydrogenated radical species seems to be competitive with that of butenes on platinum, which could explain its poorer selectivity to butenes and the formation of butane as a primary product.